College Planning Resources

It is important for students to start the college search process early but no later than junior year. We encourage all students to apply to 5-8 four-year colleges and at least one community college. Please use the resources on the right side of the page to help with researching your college options.

Action Plans for Families

Reach, Fit, Fallback

When creating your "college list" we encourage you to include schools that fall into these three categories: Reach, Fit and Fallback. When deciding on your Reach, Fit and Fallback schools, these should also be schools you'd be happy to attend, if admitted.

Reach - A reach schools is one where your academic record falls below the school's average range for recently admitted students. These schools might be a long-shot but they should still be possible.

Fit - A fit school is one where your academic record fall within the school's average range for recently admitted students. There are never guarantees, but it is not unreasonable to expect to be admitted into your fit schools.

Fallback - A fallback is one where your academic record exceeds the school's average range for recently admitted students. We encourage students to always apply to at least one community college as a fallback school.

College Campus Visits

One of the most important parts of your college research is the campus visit. Visiting the colleges on your "college list" will give you a firsthand feel of the students, faculty, facilities and programs. While visiting a campus, you can learn about admissions requirements, get a sense of the community on campus, talk with students and faculty and much more.